Khabib Nurmagomedov Includes Magomed Ankalaev to Special Russian Fighters Club

UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov praises the light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev following his recent success. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov Includes Magomed Ankalaev to Special Russian Fighters Club

Khabib Nurmagomedov credits fellow Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev for becoming the light heavyweight champion (via X)

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For more than the last half-decade, the UFC has continuously witnessed the domination and superiority of Russian fighters. It originally began with Khabib Nurmagomedov, who became the UFC lightweight champion and turned into a national hero. After his retirement, other fighters from Russia carried on the domination, with Magomed Ankalaev recently becoming the light heavyweight champion.

Earlier this year at UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira via unanimous decision, capturing the light heavyweight championship.  Going into the contest, Ankalaev was considered an underdog because of Pereira’s form, but the Dagestani fighter shocked everyone. 

With that victory, Ankalaev became the third fighter from Dagestan to win a UFC title, joining legends Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. Ahead of Ankalaev’s next fight, Nurmagomedov publicly shared heartfelt words of respect and praise for the Russian champion.

He is one of the best to ever do it in Russia already. He is keep improving himself, keep climbing on top to be the best to ever do it. I really believe he has skills.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via UFC 

Following his retirement, Nurmagomedov fully dedicated himself to coaching, building a strong team of Dagestan fighters for global combat dominance. Ankalaev has consistently shown respect towards Nurmagomedov, crediting him for creating the path for Russian athletes to achieve international recognition.

Additionally, Ankalaev shares a close relationship with Makhachev and is also managed by Khabib’s trusted representative, Ali Abdelaziz. Apart from Magomed Ankalaev, other Russian-born fighters like Khamzat Chimaev have also made history by recently capturing the middleweight championship.

The ‘Borz’ showcased incredible dominance over former champion Dricus Du Plessis, using relentless wrestling to secure a unanimous decision victory. Additionally, there are several other rising Russian stars who continue to impress fans worldwide with their skills and growing accomplishments.

Some of the most exciting names include Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, along with Movsar Evloev and Sharaputdin Magomedov. All these fighters have the potential to become champions, but for now, Ankalaev needs to defend his belt against Alex Pereira.

Magomed Ankalaev’s coach isn’t concerned about Alex Pereira’s power

Alex Pereira enjoyed one of the most dominant championship reigns in recent UFC history, defending his title three consecutive times in a single year. The Brazilian striker is globally recognized for his devastating left hook, a signature weapon that has brutally knocked out several opponents. However, at UFC 313 against Magomed Ankalaev, ‘Poatan’ struggled to showcase his full striking potential inside the Octagon. 

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev are ready for their title rematch
Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev are ready for their title rematch (via X)

Ankalaev’s relentless wrestling threat, combined with constant forward pressure, neutralized Pereira’s offensive rhythm and preventing him from effectively unleashing his arsenal. Heading into their highly anticipated rematch, Ankalaev and his team remain confident that they can put an end to this rivalry. In a recent interview, Ankalaev’s coach, Sukhrab Magomed, dismissed concerns regarding Pereira’s power.  

Alex Pereira, there’s nothing with which he can surprise us. Not with his work on the stand-up. In wrestling he definitely cannot surprise…His technique is standard, his strikes are standard. He’s an old kickboxer. He has no speed. Alex has a punch, but not the kind that can really knock you out.

Sukhrab Magomed via UFC 

Going into the fight, Magomed Ankalaev enters as the clear betting favorite, already launching several verbal attacks across online platforms. Both superstars recently confronted each other at the UFC PI, engaging in a heated altercation humorously mediated through Google Translate. Despite the odds stacked against him, ‘Poatan’ remains fully confident about staging a comeback and reclaiming his belt.

Pereira insists he only fought at 40 percent capacity in their first meeting, suggesting minimal additional effort could dismantle Ankalaev’s reign. Nevertheless, fans eagerly anticipate whether Ankalaev can uphold Russian domination within the UFC, solidifying their continued legacy in combat sports.

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